2) Seating
The Birchmere is general admission, with all seating done on a first come, first served basis.
To keep the process orderly, we use Line Numbers, which are picked up at the box office upon arrival.
The Music Hall is all seated with tables.
The Bandstand is all standing unless otherwise stated, and then it would have limited seating.
At 5pm, when the Box Office opens, we begin handing out Line Numbers to customers as they come to the Box Office. At 6pm when the Music Hall doors open, we begin seating by Line Number (i.e. the first person in at 5pm will be the first person in the Music Hall at 6pm). *Line Numbers are NOT used for Bandstand shows.
Reserved seats are NOT available, except for artists' guests and VIPs.
3) Purchasing and Picking Up Tickets
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the Birchmere Box Office.
All Ticketmaster outlets (i.e. Macy's, etc) in the MD/DC/NoVa area do sell tickets for Birchmere events. From Richmond south and Baltimore north, Ticketmaster outlets do NOT sell Birchmere tickets.
To purchase tickets by phone, call (202)397- SEAT, (410)547-SEAT or (703)573-SEAT, and Internet tickets at www.Ticketmaster.com.
Tickets can not be purchased through Ticketmaster on the day of the show, only at the Box Office.
The Birchmere does NOT sell tickets over the phone. The only way to buy tickets from The Birchmere directly is at our Box Office, from 5-9pm, any night we have a show.
All Birchmere tickets ordered via Ticketmaster on the phone or online will be waiting at Will Call on the night of show. Will Call tickets are NOT available for pickup until the night of the performance after 5pm, at Birchmere Box Office.
4) Ticket Service Charges
Ticketmaster service charges are set up by Ticketmaster and we do not have any say in the matter. Tickets purchased at the Birchmere Box Office, will have a $3.50 service charge per ticket. This charge is for our Box Office Staff, Parking, and Security. "We want you here, happy & safe!"
*As of July 1, 2005 the City of Alexandria has passed an Admissions Entertainment Tax of 50 cents per ticket sold. This tax has been added to the Service Charge. Therefore all tickets purchased at The Birchmere Box Ofc will have a $3.50 service fee, which includes this new tax.
5) Sold Out Shows
Yes. If a show is sold out, it is SOLD OUT. We do not have a waiting list, and we cannot re-sell tickets for people who don't show up.
However, sometimes an Artist does not use all the tickets we hold for them. If that happens, the tickets are released at 5pm, day of show, at the Birchmere Box Office only. You must be here in person, and there's no guarantee any tickets will be released.
You cannot call to have tickets held.
6) What is the Bandstand?
The Bandstand is the area where we have dance-oriented shows at The Birchmere.?There is a dance floor in front of the stage, and there are tables and chairs surrounding it. There is limited seating for most Bandstand shows, unless it is listed as an All Standing show.
All Standing shows are, ALL STANDING, which means there will be no tables or chairs in the Bandstand (except for Handicapped Accommodations). For most All Standing shows, we will have the Music Hall open for food & drink.
Venue doors open at 6pm for Bandstand shows, at which time seating is completely general admission, first come first served. The Box office will be open at 5pm, but seating will not begin until 6pm for all Bandstand shows, and 8pm for "Late Shows." Line Numbers are not used for Bandstand shows
7) If you have tickets and can not attend
All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Refunds are ONLY available for cancelled or rescheduled shows.
If you cannot attend a show, but would like someone else to pick up your Will Call tickets, they will need the Ticketmaster Confirmation Number and they need to know the name the tickets were ordered under.
8) Food & Drinks
At 5pm, when the doors open, our bar opens. The kitchen opens at 6pm, when the Music Hall opens and seating begins.
The Birchmere has a full service kitchen and complete drink service. There are no minimums. See our Menu link for a complete list of food offered.
For Bandstand shows, Food service is available at tables (no food service at the bar during any Bandstand shows). During All Standing shows, we will usually have the Music Hall open for food, drink & relaxation.
There is no outside food or drink allowed. This includes birthday cakes.
9) Age Limit
The Birchmere is all ages, all the time. EVERYONE needs a ticket.
10) Dress Code
There is no dress code. Please gentlemen, no tank tops or cutoffs.
11) Handicap facilities
The Birchmere is completely handicap accessible.
12) Parking & Public Transportation
There is lighted, secure parking on site at The Birchmere. There is not a Metro Station in walking distance to The Birchmere. The best stop to use is Pentagon City (not Pentagon), as it is approximately 5 miles from club & there are always plenty of cabs available. See Directions link for more details.
Cost of parking is included in the Birchmere Box Office service charge.
For sold out shows, some overflow parking may occur across the street.
13) Group Rates
There are no discount rates, for groups or anyone.
14) Hotels in the Area
There are many hotels near the Birchmere, as we're located just 5 miles from Reagan National Airport/Crystal City & near old town Alexandria.
Some suggestions:
Courtyard Marriott Crystal City (703)549-3434
Comfort Inn Pentagon (703)682-5500
Best Western Pentagon (703)979-4400
Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City (703)412-2793
15) Booking an Artist
Send CD/Press Kit to:
The Birchmere
Attn: Booking
3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22305
Or email booking@birchmere.com
(FAQ’s Updated 10/4/07)
